23 Sep Travel Blogger Conference TBEX 2012: SWAG

Movie stars get them. Orpah’s audience never misses out. And Traveler bloggers – they are no exception.There are a myriad of reasons to become a travel blogger -free trips and to get paid to travel for some, or commitment to self-inflicted poverty and lack of domestic dating options come to mind for others– but the numero uno reason to take up this noble lifestyle of modesty and self-deprecation is for the SWAG.

Although after my last conference in Europe I vowed to never again attend a conference, at least not until Jack Daniels apologizes for last time’s debacle, here I am in Girona Spain. I couldn’t help myself – too many adventurous, crazy, sexy, fun, nomadic, wandering, heroic, fearless folk who get paid to travel in one place to resist – so I decided to attend the renowned Travel Blog Exchange conference (TBEX) 2012 to see what all the hubhub was about.

SWAG BAG baby. Every lucky attendee to TBEX 2012 is given this gift bag from TBEX sponsors as a helpful reminder of just what they [the travel blogger] mean to them [the travel industry]. Forget the urge to get paid to travel, not when you have SWAG like this.

Starting off, the gift bag contains this stylish shirt. Hip designs and high thread counts aren’t the only thing making this item a new staple in your travel assemble. This one is built with the versatile traveler in mind. Whether you like the newest, baggy 2x look or simply need another night shirt to fit the whole fam in, this one’s got you covered.

the finest 65 thread count Chinese cotton

Need a new keychain to impress the friends, family and ladies? No problem, TBEX SWAG has got your back. While 95% of keychains are built as bottle openers or in shape of Jesus, this guy stands out from the crowd as it is so heavy it can weigh down papers or anything else that might be blown away in gale force winds.

perfect for the global nomad with no keys

Bitten by a rattle snake and need to cover that wound? Scrapped up from that bicycle stunt and can’t wait for the medics? No fear. This SWAG has got you covered. Designed as a bright orange container so as to not to be missed, this guy can easily fit in any pocket, from tuxedo to biker shorts. Forget your iPhone, wallet or any other pocket space waster, this one will sure to be come in handy once a year or so. Don’t leave home without it, or just leave home with $.25 to get a new one.

Daring to be different, this next SWAG item suits the hostel backpacker blogger to high-end luxury bloggers alike. Too big for espresso, too small for your morning coffee, this porcelain cup makes the perfect travel companion. Its subtle decorations and absolute non-utility make it a must for any travel blogger on the job. Whether hiking in the Himalayas or going on a 4 days cruise in the Bahamas, don’t leave home without triple wrapping this fragile decorative cup.

so elegant I will use it in my non-existant home on my non-existant house guests

With the forethought of both Bush administrations put together, we have our last SWAG item and most applauded gift item: the wine corkscrew. This gift is built with travel bloggers in mind, appealing to their ravenous alcoholic tendencies as well as their love of long, deep conversations with airport personale.

Haven’t had a good colonoscopy lately by the TSA? Bring this SWAG on your next travel adventure and get one free of charge

Yes. Although the wine cork was light weight and appealed to me on many levels, it will not be going near my luggage. Maybe next time they can swag some wine bottles instead. Walks of Italy guy Stephen is top notch and on point.

Yeah. Mostly garbage. However the karma gods have spoken. Within two days of this post, I cut open my foot, needed a wine opener and needed a cup for the wine. Now I just need to lose my keys and be stuck outside in the cold without a shirt for things to come full circle.

[…] roundtrip planes tickets with all inclusive activities and entertainment, and all sorts of other travel accoutrement are just some of these freebies being thrown travel bloggers way. Sponsors – which are composed […]